Mrashtra crop loss on floods seen 7%

Mumbai, Aug 30 | Updated: Aug 31 2006, 05:30am hrs

The preliminary estimates released by the agriculture ministry of Maharashtra shows only 7% crop damage due to heavy rains and floods during August. The loss is lower than traders estimate of 10-15%, traders said.

According to the release, around 9,54,000 hectares under acreage have been damaged. Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, on Tuesday, said the state has suffered losses due to heavy floods in Satara, Sangli, and Vidarbha regions, among others.

He added crop damage, in terms of value is estimated at Rs 470 crore. The centre has already sanctioned Rs 400 crore relief package and another Rs 500 crore has been demanded by the state for other rehabilitation work, the chief minister had said.